Pegasus Airlines continues to expand its international flight network. As of May 23, the airline has launched direct flights to Algiers, the capital of Algeria (Houari Boumediene Airport). This new route is seen as a significant step in Pegasus’ growth strategy in North Africa.
Five Weekly Round-Trip Flights
The new route will operate five days a week with round-trip flights. According to a statement from Pegasus, direct flights between Istanbul Sabiha Gökçen Airport and Algiers will be available on Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Fridays, and Saturdays.
North Africa Expansion Strategy: Algeria Joins Morocco and Egypt
Pegasus CEO Güliz Öztürk previously emphasised the importance of the North African market, noting the airline’s intention to add Algeria to its existing services to Morocco and Egypt. The launch of this new route marks the latest step in implementing that strategy.
More Airlines Granted Access to Algeria
In addition to Pegasus, AJet has also received approval to operate flights to Algeria. The Algerian civil aviation authority has granted permission to UAE-based Etihad as well. These developments reflect Algeria’s ambitions to enhance its international aviation presence and logistical capabilities.
Increasing Competition on the Algeria Route
Several airlines currently operate flights from Istanbul to Algiers:
From Sabiha Gökçen Airport: Pegasus, AJet
From Istanbul Airport: Turkish Airlines (THY), Air Algérie
Additionally, Air Algérie plans to operate flights from Algiers not only to Istanbul but also from the cities of Constantine and Oran.
Tourism on the Rise: 292,000 Algerians Visited Turkey in 2023
The new route is expected to boost tourism and trade relations between the two countries. Official data shows that 292,505 tourists from Algeria visited Turkey in 2023.
